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CONTENTS
Message From GAR
Departments 4
Message from the President
Market Report Real Estate Sales 2012
8
Feature
10
Home Security The Comfort of Peace of Mind
14
Profile
By Clare Delgado REALTOR® Century 21 Commonwealth Realty
TO SEQUESTER OR NOT TO SEQUESTER?
Lillian Miles Honesty and Great Customer Service
15
Home Finance Home Equity Lines of Credit
16
How to D.I.Y. Upcycle Your Textiles Make a Place for Fido
18
From the Experts 10 Things You Should Know About Homeowners Insurance
20
Curb Appeal Harnessing the Power of the Sun for your Home
22
In Our Community 2013 GAR Inauguration Ceremony
24
One More Thing Home Inspections
25
Who Ya Gonna Call?
26
Classifieds
28
Closing Guam Association of REALTORS® Compliance Questions
March 2013 • Vol. 6 • No. 03 P.O. Box 24881 Barrigada, GU 96921 Tel: (671) 472-3495 | Fax: (671) 472-3498 email: office@yellowpagesink.com
|Publisher| |Business Sales Manager| Jay-R S. Dominguez
|Display Advertising| Jennifer Santos
|Traffic/Circulation Manager| Josie Redmond
|Production Manager| Mark S. Burke
|Graphics & Layout| Mark S. Burke Edwin E. Valencia
|Editorial Contributors| Faye Varias Creative Services Clare Delgado Siska Hutapea Marie Fe Regis-Malaca Peggy Araullo Llagas Bryan J.C. Sualog Arlene Taitague Taitingfong Warren Waki Karen Curinga Kim Anderson Young
Since the end of 2012, news of sequestration has been in the national headlines as well as the local headlines. But what is Sequestration and how would it affect us? By definition, to sequester means to hold back. With regards to the budget sequester in Congress, measures are supposed to be taken to reduce the budget deficit. Congress has been tasked to reduce the budget deficit over a span of time, totaling over $1 trillion dollars beginning 2013 until 2021. Further, if the U.S. Congress does not agree on deficit reduction measures, mandatory and automatic spending cuts are expected across the board. Expected cuts to defense, certain programs and government operations are likely to happen. These are causes for concern as no one wants these cuts to affect them. Working closely with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the Guam Association of REALTORS® (GAR) is keeping an eye on developments that may take place. According to NAR, in relation to real estate, this has the potential to derail the recovery that’s been slowly taking hold. Foreclosures would rise, home values would drop, hurting households but also hurting FHA, which could get hit with another wave of bad loans. That could put FHA into financial trouble (www.realtor.org). The Guam Association of REALTORS® is over 400 members strong. With our Calls for Action, we become a voice in our community, promoting the interests of home owners and the fulfillment of home ownership. We guarantee that the GAR leadership team and its members will be in the forefront, advocating your rights and being your voice for Real Estate. – Clare Delgado GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Cover Photo: Mark S. Burke CasaGuam is Published by:
The Voice for Real Estate on Guam Suite 236A Julale Center 424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 Office: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275
CasaGuam Advertising Disclaimer All Advertisers agree to hold the publisher harmless and indemnify it against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees) made against or incurred by the publisher, officers or employees with respect to, or arising out of, the content, text, graphics or representations of any ad published herein, including but not limited to the sole negligence and/or fault of the publisher. The publisher is not liable for any claims, losses or damages of any kind, arising from the wording, text, graphics or representations of any ad published herein, or the condition of the articles sold through the publication, or performance of services advertised in this publication. All advertising and/or performance of services advertising and/or submissions become wholly the property of CasaGuam Magazine. CasaGuam Magazine is a registered trademark of PTI Pacifica Inc. Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. We reserve the right to edit or refuse any ad and to reprint any photo for promotional use.
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Commitment to Professionalism
Trust and Reliability 20+ years serving the Community and Businesses on Guam and the CNMI
Backed by TWO of the LARGEST Underwriters in the United States s &IDELITY .ATIONAL 4ITLE )NSURANCE s 3TEWART 4ITLE 'UARANTY
Building a Better Title Insurance and Escrow Company‌Not Just A Bigger One
www.pamericantitle.com Guam Office
Saipan Office
888 North Marine Corps Drive, Suite 200, Tamuning, Guam 96913 T: 671-648-7777 | F: 671-648-7213
6th Floor Marianas Business Plaza, PMB 211, P.O. Box 10000, Saipan, MP 96950 T: 670-235-5787 | F: 670-235-6787
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Market Repor t
Real Estate Sales 2012 2012 Guam Real Estate Sales Volume $250,000,000
$220,780,022
$200,000,000 $150,000,000 $111,314,452 $100,000,000 $64,292,050
$76,533,891
$50,000,000 $0
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2012 Guam Residen al Sales $50,000,000
250
$40,000,000
200
$30,000,000
150
$20,000,000
100
$10,000,000
50
$0
Q1
Q2
Residen al Sales Volume 4 CasaGuam March 2013
Q3
Q4
No. of Transac ons
0
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Market Repor t
2012 Guam Real Estate Number of Sales 300 250 227
200
255
281 245
150 100 50 0 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2012 Guam Residen al Median Prices $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 0 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
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Feature
How safe are we really? With the recent tragic events in Tumon, many of you might be asking yourself that question. Living on Guam, there is a sense of security and community. Although it was an isolated incident, it has raised questions and doubts. 8 CasaGuam March 2013
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Feature
Home Security The Comfort of Peace of Mind By Bryan J.C. Sualog
While you can’t protect yourself from everything in this world, there are steps you can take to ensure that you don’t become a victim. In the past you might have thought that installing a home security system was just too expensive but Teresa Sakazaki, director of sales and marketing for G4S Marianas, says the price for a home security system has become very affordable. Customers can purchase a fully equipped system for $699, she says. “You can feel comfortable going out or going away knowing your home or business is being supervised. More people are realizing that security is no longer for rich. Security is extremely affordable.” Sakazaki says customers also have the option of a payment plan if they can’t afford to pay the $699 at one time. “You want to pay that $699 over 10 months? That’s not a problem.” Just the sign notifying people that your home is being protected by G4S can sometimes be enough to deter would be criminals from targeting you. But when that isn’t enough, G4S has a sophisticated system to keep your home secure. With the home security system, your home is monitored by G4S at its national control center. Your system sends a signal to the control center where it is monitored. If anything unusual happens, the people monitoring the control center are notified. From the control center, they can tell is someone has broken into your home or smashed a glass door and it what room, Sakazaki says. In addition to notifying its patrol officers of the alert, G4S will call the residence to confirm if there is anything is wrong. Upon answering the phone, G4S will request the password. If the person can’t give the correct password, G4S is alerted to the probability of a break in. “There are a lot of mechanisms in place … a lot of security.” You’re not just paying for added security, you’re paying for peace of mind, Sakazaki says. More and more customers are also installing security cameras. “Even though the economy is bad, people are affording it. It deters criminal activity.” With the security cameras, customers can choose between remote monitoring and remote monitoring response. With remote monitoring, G4S will monitor the cameras. If a customer chooses remote monitoring response, G4S only monitors the video if an alarm was set off. “The reason why it’s important is because criminals know they can get away within a minute or two but with the cameras, G4S is able to get a description
of the criminal and pass that along to the police,” Sakazaki says. “Having both a security system and security cameras really enables you to prevent intruders.” Almost everyone today has a smart phone and now customers can monitor their homes and watch the video from their security cameras from any computer with and internet connection or their smart phones. We had a client who wanted to monitor his cameras himself so we set it up on his smart phone, she says. “He was in a meeting and he was bored and was watching the video on his phone and saw a burglar in his home … true story.” After that happened the customer started having G4S monitor his security cameras. While the price of a security system and security cameras may have drastically gone down in price, there are some people who still may not be able to afford it. But even without a professional security system, there are steps you can take to ensure your home’s security. After making a major purchase, a television for example, break down the box immediately and put it in the garbage, Sakazaki says. “The less you show of what you have, the better.” She also recommends trimming your shrubs and keeping your windows free of debris or trees as it can provide cover for someone looking to break into your house. Installing bars on your windows is a good deterrent but be sure to install bars with an emergency release. “Bars can be harmful in case of a fire.” When traveling off island, don’t close your storm shutters. “It’s a storm shutter. Most storm shutters don’t have crowbars or hammers or screwdrivers. It’s meant to prevent debris from damaging your windows. It’s not necessarily made to stop intruders.” The shutters can even end up helping an intruder. It can prevent people from seeing an intruder in the home and giving them more time to ransack your belongings. Sakazaki also says to have a friend pick up your newspapers and delivered mail so people don’t notice it piling up. Also have them mow the lawn, move your car or turn on lights to give the impression that you haven’t gone anywhere. The last thing she says to do is be cautious about what you put on the internet. “As parents it’s our primary function to teach children about safety and security.” Posting pictures of a brand new television you bought or that you’re going on a trip is an invitation to criminals. “You never know who can see what you post of Facebook or Instagram.”
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On The Cover
Pago Bay – Wow! Factor
D
Discover one of the most unique and spectacular homes on the island. Featuring a well-designed kitchen built around a center island that gives you extra work space. It has solid wood kitchen cabinets and granite counter tops. Check out the 18 by 24 foot sunken living room with a 12 foot drop ceiling and chandelier. There are five bedrooms; two of which are junior suites. The Master suite features a walk-in closet, separate toilet room, dual vanities, stand-up shower and a large spa tub with ocean view. A total living space of 7000 square feet includes a two-car garage, porch, patio, three balconies and a roof top terrace with panoramic ocean view. Fully fenced with an automatic gate.
Geri Cordova
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Profile
Honesty And Excellent Customer Service
I
“
Lillian Gene Miles REALTOR®, TODAY’S REALTY
Education:
Attended Concorde College in Portland, Oregon; certified Dental and Orthodontics Assistant
I love Casa Guam! It’s been a great publication for me and my business and it gives results.
14 CasaGuam March 2013
“
If there’s anything that Lillian Gene Miles wants to convey to her clients, it’s honesty and excellent customer service. “The number one message I would like to give my customers is that I am always honest no matter what; and they are my top priority,” she says. “My business motto is to give each customer—no matter how big the transaction is—the same attention because I rely on each of them for referrals. Originally from Washington State, Miles attended in neighboring northwestern state, Oregon, at Concorde College in Portland. She is a certified dental assistant and orthodontics assistant. Miles came to Guam about two years ago. “I am 26. I met my boyfriend in middle school and have been together almost every day since. His name is Graham and his job with IMCO General Construction brought us here in 2010.” Having only recently moved to Guam, Miles says that establishing herself has been a tough road. “My biggest challenge was finding a way to put myself out there and making a name for myself since I have only lived on Guam for two and a half years,” she says. Although Miles has only been here a short while, she’s already made good friends and important memories. “My most memorable real estate moment was when I found my now dear friends a home here on Guam. I didn't know them but I met them the day after they arrived to Guam at their hotel. Both husband and wife are Air Force and we became fast friends. Together we found them a beautiful house and they were so appreciative. That is when I realized what a personal decision I was assisting my customers with.” Over the next few years, Miles hopes to continue making a name for herself in both her professional and personal lives, which includes eventually starting a family, she says.
By Bryan J.C. Sualog
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Home Finance
Home Equity Lines of Credit By Marie Fe Regis-Malaca
H
ome Equity Lines of Credit (HECL) may seem a bit complicated to some people. But it’s really not that difficult to understand and it can be a great option for some homeowners.
Home Equity is the equity or value of your home. The equity is determined by taking the value of the home minus any outstanding mortgage balance. A Home Equity Line of Credit (HECL) is a line of credit similar to a credit card. It is an established line of credit available for your use when you need it. While a credit card is a payment card used as a system of payment, a HECL allows you to use a check for payment to a vendor or individual, including yourself. In most cases the HECL allows for higher limits since it is secured by a property. Also interest rates are usually much lower for a HECL than conventional unsecured credit cards. In most cases these lines offer flexible rate options and possible tax-deductible interest. What are the benefits of having a Home equity line of credit? • Convenience: You have a line of credit available to use any time during the draw term. Draw terms may vary from one financial institution to another. Currently, Bank of Hawaii’s Bankoh Home Equity Line’s draw period is for 10 years. • Low variable interest rate: Along with a low variable interest rate there may also be an attractive introductory rate with the security of fixing your rate whenever you want. Bank of Hawaii is offering an introductory rate of 1.25% APR for the first 12 months. • Interest paid on a HECL may be tax deductible: Please consult a tax advisor regarding tax benefits. A HECL can be used for a variety of needs. Some use the line of credit to renovate their homes, purchase investment properties, consolidate debt, or pay for college expenses. It offers you the flexibility to do what you want, when you want. What to look out for? As with other lines of credit, there are fees associated with a Home Equity Lines of Credit. Similar to a mortgage, home equity lines require an appraisal report to get the current appraised value. Appraisal reports can vary in scope and usually depend on the dollar amount and conditions set forth by the lending institution. In addition, as home equity lines use the property as collateral, government recording fees are also assessed, along with title insurance. Financial institutions may require you to have home and typhoon insurance. Banks may also assess certain fees such as documentation fees or annual fees. Feel free to shop around and ask about the various fees assessed on a HECL. Some may wonder, why not just opt for a conventional cash-out refinance mortgage? Conventional mortgages are great, but these types of loans have fixed terms and one-time draw that you take at time of closing. Should you have a need to borrow again, you would need to repeat the same mortgage loan process. We welcome you to stop by any one of our Bank of Hawaii branches to learn more about a Home Equity Lines of Credit or call 479-3822 for more information. CasaGuam.com 15
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H o w To D . I . Y.
Upcycle Your Textiles Make a Place for Fido!
By Faye Varias
I
In this day and age, several households have pets—even in Guam. I’m hoping for the day that our little island won’t be known to visitors as a land of strays and dogs endlessly tied to the mango tree out back. But we’re—slowly, but surely— getting there. For many families, such as mine, the house seems to be the dog’s domain. When I renovated my living room and kitchen a few years ago, almost all the decisions revolved around the pooches. For example, my counters are extra high so they can’t nab whatever I’m preparing for dinner when I turn around for a split second; I have no carpet anywhere and my couches have removable, washable covers. But you can’t really prepare for everything. Much like having a new baby, owning a dog full of its own unique challenges and you just have to learn to adjust. I’ve had to remind myself of this several times when I adopted our great dane, Monica. Now, I’ve been a dog owner all my life and by normal standards, I’ve had “big” dogs, but none quite like her. She stands about four feet tall with all four paws on the ground and weighs the same as an average adult woman. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realize quite how big she is, so she romps around the house like a bull in a china shop. So I wasn’t too surprise when one day, I found that she’d gotten into some down pillows and created what looked like a chicken massacre on my patio. Not much of a “waster” I put some of my creative juices to work and decided that I would make some doggy duvets and use what was left of the pillows for “stuffing” and fashion an up-cycled dog bed. If you have old clothes, blankets, t-shirts and other similar items you’re too embarrassed to donate, these work just as well for stuffing. Basically, you can get a ready-made pillow cover or make your own, stuff away with those textiles, and voila, you’ve got a doggy bed your pooch is sure to love. It’s really that simple. Faye Varias is the owner of the Puppy Love Guam line of dog accessories and self-proclaimed animal enthusiast. You can reach her at puppyloveguam@gmail.com. 16 CasaGuam March 2013
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From the Experts
10 Things You Should Know About Your Homeowners Insurance
By Warren Waki
1. Homeowners insurance covers more than just damage to your home. Homeowners policies typically cover the following: a) Dwelling b) Other Structures c) Contents d) Additional Living Expense e) Medical Payments to Others f ) Personal Liability to Others 2. Know how much coverage you need. Now that you know what is typically covered in a homeowners policy, it’s time to decide what limits you need. Some lenders decide for you and require that you cover the replacement cost of the home or at least the balance of the loan. An appraisal by a professional appraiser is the best source for the full insurable value. If you don’t have an appraisal, you can have your insurance company do a home inspection to calculate the approximate replacement cost of your home. Since homeowners policies limit the amount you can claim for items like cash, jewelry, fine arts, and firearms, you should keep a list of the items and pictures of them along with sales receipts. There are many factors to consider when choosing medical payments, and personal liability limits. Do you regularly entertain guests at your home? Do you have dogs? Ask your agent about increasing these limits. Accidents happen and the few extra dollars spent on increased limits will be well worth the money. 3. Compare Deductibles. A deductible is how much you pay out of pocket for a claim. Guam tariff dictates that typhoon deductibles are at least $2,500 and earthquake deductibles are at least $1,000. Deductibles apply separately to your house and your personal property. There is usually no deductible for fire, vandalism, burglary, and other causes of loss. If an earthquake causes $2,000 damage to your house, insurance would pay $1,000 and your out of pocket expense would be $1,000. Raising your deductibles will save you money and lower your annual insurance premium. Just make sure you are comfortable with the higher out of pocket expense if you make a claim. 4. Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value? Your homeowners policy can cover your home on a replacement cost or actual cash value basis. It makes a difference when your home gets damaged and you make a claim. Let’s say your home gets burglarized while you’re at work and the criminals break a window. A replacement cost policy will pay to replace the window with one of similar kind and quality. You can go buy a new window of like kind and quality to replace the broken one. If you have a policy based on actual cash value, the insurance company will take how much the broken window would cost to replace and apply depreciation by how many years old the window is. Replacement cost is better coverage and you should make sure your policy is based on replacement cost. Personal property is typically valued at actual cash value. Check with your agent if you want your belongings covered on a replacement cost basis. 5. Shop Around. Now you are better prepared to get quotes because you know what coverages are common to homeowners policies. Don’t forget that you can save some money by increasing deductibles and get more value from a replacement cost policy. 6. Ask Your Agent About Discounts. Insurers offer discounts for bundling with your car insurance, installing typhoon 18 CasaGuam March 2013
shutters, security systems, fire alarms, and various others. Different insurers offer lower prices for newer homes, good housekeeping and maintenance, loyal customer discounts, and various others. 7. Ask around about claims service. When you suffer a loss, you are already emotionally and financially distressed. Insurance companies have a duty to respond to your claim in a timely and professional manner. You pay good money for your insurance and want your insurance company to perform for you when you need it the most. 8. Where to Shop. Check the newspaper and yellow pages of the telephone directory for companies and agents in your area. In addition, ask your neighbors, relatives and friends for recommendations on insurance companies and agents. Remember to shop around to get the best price and service. 9. Read Your Policy Carefully. Insurance policies are complex legal contracts. Both parties to the contract have rights and responsibilities. When you receive your policy, you should read the fine print. If there’s anything you don’t understand, bring the policy to the office and have your agent explain. 10. Review Your Home Insurance Needs Every Year at Renewal. Did you renovate your home last year? Did you buy shutters, a new air conditioner, a new stove, or washer dryer? The addition of a room, concrete fence, or remodeling add value to your home and, therefore, may increase replacement cost.
For more information about Homeowners Insurance please feel free to contact me or one of my colleagues at Nanbo Insurance at (671) 477-9754 or visit us at our Hagåtña office at Nanbo Guahan 250 Building on Route 4.
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Curb Appeal
Harnessing the Power of the Sun for your Home
By Arlene Taitague Taitingfong
H
Harnessing solar power is a growing trend around the world and it seems that the trend has made its way to our island. According to the Wikipedia, “Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaics convert light into electric current using the photoelectric effect”. For those of us who have not seen the light yet, (sorry about the pun), solar power is simply gathering of the sun’s energy and converting it to power and this article will focus on photovoltaics (PV). The world of solar energy/power is a complex one. For this article, we will concentrate on PVs. This solution has been popping up on Guam and you can get this service locally.
These features make them suitable for residential roofs. Because the panels are fixed in place, their orientation to the sun is usually at an angle that is less than optimal. Therefore, less energy per unit area of array is collected compared with that from a tracking array. This drawback, however, must be balanced against the higher cost of the tracking system.
With that out of the way, let’s jump past the science portion and see how solar power can be a great way to give your home “curb appeal”. What exactly are PVs? PVs are the shiny panels you see on top of rooftops. They are “the grids”. They range in a variety of panel sizes in a variety of configurations. For home solar electric systems, the most common array design uses these flat-plate PV modules or panels. These panels can either be fixed in place or allowed to track the movement of the sun. The simplest PV array consists of flat-plate PV modules in a fixed position. These are some advantages of fixed arrays: • No moving parts • No need for extra equipment • A lightweight structure.
As you can see by this illustration, panels are just one component in the system. There is also the inverter, battery system and charge controller just to give you an idea of the complexity of this power source. Guam has a few companies that offer solar panel solutions. Look in the Guam Phone Book and give them a call. I was able to take a look at the solar panels at a few of the expos they had on Guam last year. Remember that the size (and cost) of your solution is dependent upon what your needs are i.e. powering the hot water heater, the air conditioning units, or even your large appliances like the washer or dryer. Solar power can be used to help off-set the cost of public power, but start up costs will be costly, but effective in the long run. Maintenance Solar PV needs little maintenance. Panels need to be kept relatively clean. You might want to trim any trees that may overshadow the panels also. The panels can be kept clean with
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Curb Appeal warm water and whatever your installer suggests. Since the panels will be on the roof, you will need to have access by way of a sturdy ladder. Once your solution is installed, the installer should leave written details of any maintenance checks that you should carry out from time to time to ensure everything is working properly. Good panels should last 25 years or more. You might need to change the inverter from time to time. What are the Pros & Cons? According to an article by RP Siegel, he states that there are pros and cons and that there is no perfect energy source. He lists the following: Pros • Clean energy. No combustion. No greenhouse gas emission from use. • Inexhaustible and abundant “fuel” supply • Available nearly everywhere • Well suited for distribution generation • Technology exists today and is rapidly improving • Generates electricity directly from sunlight • No moving parts required • Power generation is silent. No noise or pollution. • Little or no transmission required • Matches up well with air-conditioning need • Require minimal maintenance • Grants and incentives are sometimes available • Excess heat can be used for co-generation Cons • Intermittent source. Not available at night or under clouds. • Relatively high cost, especially with storage • Requires inverter to produce AC current • Requires storage or grid connection for continuous roundthe-clock use • Less available for heating demand (time of day and season) • Exotic materials required in many thin-film systems • Requires a relatively large amount of open space • Relatively low efficiency • Relatively low energy intensity • Fragile materials • Possible aesthetic issues • Technology risk: a much better system might come out next year To be or not to be? That is the question! Solar power or NO solar power? This is what many of us may
be contemplating as society is getting more into the “going green” trend. As you can see from the pros and cons, there is much to consider if one is planning to have a system installed. If you are planning to build your home, this would be a good time to look into costs to set up a solar system. A full-on home conversion is best suited for locations that are rural or where utilities may be difficult to get because the area is not yet developed. For those who already have homes, perhaps trying out solar power should be done in baby steps. Start out with converting or changing out a small appliance, such as the water heater. This can be a DIY project. You may be able to see this as a way to alleviate some of the costs incurred via public power. If anything, it can be a way to gauge if you are saving money with solar power. There are solar water heaters available on Guam and it would be a good way to see if solar power is the way you want to go in other areas of your home. At the beginning of this article, I informed you that solar power IS a complex subject. Please do your research and get as much information as you can before you make a move. Unfortunately, I only have enough space to give you basic information. Hopefully, I have piqued your curiosity and you can go from there. Until then, bask in the sun and let your body harness the power of the sun. CasaGuam.com 21
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In Our Community
2013 GAR Inauguration Ceremony
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One More Thing
Home Inspections By Kim Anderson Young • Seller handles the repair prior to closing. • Buyer agrees to accept the house “as-is” and will deal with the air conditioning system after closing (but they have full knowledge of the deficiency). • Buyer and seller may instruct escrow to hold funds to pay for the repairs once they have been completed. • Seller may give a credit to the buyers at closing and the buyer can resolve the issue as they see fit. Your REALTOR has all the information you need to both obtain a home inspection, and to negotiate past any hurdle the inspection may reveal.
Buyer BE AWARE! Inspection Checklist
I recently caught up with Anthony Godwin, Principal Broker of Today’s Realty as he was on his way to a meeting with a home inspector. Our conversation turned quickly to the value and importance that a home inspection brings to the real estate transaction. Not too long ago, home inspections were rare for Guam real estate sales, giving a whole new meaning to “let the buyer beware”! A homeowner interested in selling their home can benefit from a home inspection prior to listing their home. The inspection will reveal items that should be resolved in order for the seller to get the highest price for their home. It will give the seller time to make needed repairs that will enhance the value of the home.
Air Conditioning & Fans Mechanical Plumbing Electrical Structural Components Doors Windows Roofing Decks and Patios Appliances
Purchasers utilize the services of a qualified home inspector in order to determine if there are any items that will need repairing or replacing in the near future. A qualified home inspector will examine details such as structural components, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, safety hazards, air-conditioning systems, doors, windows, roofing, decks and patios, grading and drainage systems, even household appliances! So what happens if the home inspection reveals something that needs to be repaired? Let’s assume the air conditioners need about $4,000 worth of work in order to function properly. The solution can be different for each transaction, depending upon the parties, but here are a few options: 24 CasaGuam March 2013
Above: Anthony Godwin with Kim Young
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W h o Ya G o n n a C a l l ?
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Classifieds Commercial Rentals Dededo 106 East Sta. Barbara, Dededo 4bed/1 ba corner house, fenced, and gated. Centrally located close to church, school and malls. Asking $1,200/month. Call MYRNA @ 488-0144
Ordot-Chalan Pago Commercial space for rent. Approx 850 sq ft., video store or retail business. Asking $850/mo. Please call ANGIE @ 727-2228
Tumon
Single Home. Excellent Condition. 3BD/2BA. Large yard. Good Location. $1,400/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165. Moving Soon? Nice 4 bedroom, 2 bath, gated carport, porch in front, A/C, great location, near Marine Corps Dr. Feel at home, Call 637-0222 today! Duplex. Near school, park, grocery store 4 bed, 3 bath, 3 carport garage, 1a/c, 1 washer and refrigerator/typhoon shutters All inquiries welcome ž voucher Sect 8 ok. Please call Ed 788-0568 or Lynn 688-0771 Kaiser Dededo 3bedrooms 2baths hse 4 rent. Newly renovated last yr. Sec.8 welcome w/full sec.deposit. Call Karen 988-1883
kitchen counters and appliances. Fenced back yard. Has always been leased to military personnel for their tour on Guam. Asking $2,100 / month. Call DEANNA @ 688-2855
Tamuning Sunrise D Condo. Large 2BD/2BA. Pool. Very nice. 1,000 SqFt. $1,000/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165. Beverly Palms: 3bd/2ba, 2 story condo unit, w/pool, semi-furnished, appliances, high ceilings, & nice open floor plan BUY SELL or RENT www.GUAMLISTINGS.com 482-6252/777-3728 MLS 12-2250
3Bd/2Bd/1Bd located near schools/church/store and front of park Semi-Furn. Sec.8 & Military OK. Pls. leave message at 727-6456
Condo units - 3bd/1ba, renovated, $1100/mo & 3bd/2ba excellent cond. $1700/mo BUY SELL or RENT www.GUAMLISTINGS.com 482-6252/777-3728 • MLS 12-509 & 12-523
Dededo Villa Rosario - Spacious 3BR/2BA W/D, Pool, Security, Mailbox $1,650.00
Tumon 2bd / 2 ba + Den. excellent condition. Asking $1200. Please call 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333 / 477-7042
Residential Rentals
3Bd/2Bd/1Bd located near schools/church/store and front of park Semi-Furn. Sec.8 & Military OK. Pls. leave message at 632-1200
San Vitores Terrace Condo: 3bd/2ba, 3rd floor unit with oceanview, upgraded unit with new carpets, pool, security and basic cable TV. $1800. Call Coral Sea Realty 649-6088
Agana Heights
Harmon
Fountain Plaza for Rent: Finally prime commercial space in the much desired Fountain Plaza. Own your very own business amongst the likes of many long time established busibesses already patroning this plaza. Where can you go wrong, San Vitores road frontage with ample space, there are no lossers and YOU are the winner. Asking $2,700/mo. Please call DANIEL @ 687-5422
Yigo Cliff Condo. 2BD/2BA. Newly renovated. New appliances. Water/Power incl. Sec. 8 OK. $1,150/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165.
Duplex. 2BD/2BA. Very clean. Near Cost-U-Less. Water incl. $850/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165.
Asan
3BD/2.5BA Townhouse. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $1,900/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165.
Executive 2-story house with a great view, fully fenced and a quiet area. 5bd/3ba w/ 2 huge balconies. SS appliances, wash/dry, 2-car garage. Huge storage shed, a must see, Military OK! $3500/mo. Call Joe @ 483-3333!
Asan Beach House Newly Renovated, Fresh paint and ceramic tiles. Asking: $2,200.00/mo. Call FRANK @ 479-4663
Large 4BD/2.5BA. Single home. Pool. Security. Tennis Court. $2,300/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165.
Perez Acres: 4 bedroom, 2 bath with pool & playground. Corner unit. Asking $1,900/month. Call SANDY @ 687-6006
Asan 3bd./2ba. Ocean Views Newly Renovated - All ceramic tiles. New a/c's. Asking: $1,900.00/mo. Call FRANK @ 479-4663
Harmon Ct. Townhome. 3BD/2BA. Sec. 8 OK. $1,200/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165.
Perez Acres: 3 bedroom / 1.5 ba townhouse with extra room great for family room or office, gated and secured community, pool, mail delivery. Asking $1900 . Call CORAL SEA REALTY 649-6088
Maite Barrigada 2b/1b, near Subway with water $830/mo. Please call 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333
2BD/1BA. Near Shop for Less. $750/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165.
Dededo
Mangilao
Ester Garden: Large 2BD/2BA. Very nice. 1,000 SqFt, $800/month. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165.
Nice house on a cul-de-sac street in Latte Hts. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths with all ceramic tiles and split a/c units per room. Newer
26 CasaGuam March 2013
Residential Sales Barrigada Large 4BR/2Ba 1800sqft. House Only 248,000 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-3333 3BD 2BA home with a spacious living room, wood laminated floors, landscaped
garden, and more! Asking only $255K Call MAJUNI @ 689-2583
Dededo Villa Rosario Condo: 3bd 2ba Excellent Condition, Pool, Tennis Court, Play Ground Good Location $160,000.00 Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165. Pacific Gardens. 3rd Floor. Large 3BD/2.5BA/2Den. Pool. Excellent Condition. $255,000. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165. Pacific Gardens. 1st Floor. Pool. Security. 1BD/1BA. $47,000. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165. For Sale By Owner Summer Palace Estates Located close to Cost-U-Less in Harmon 4Bd/2.5Ba 2100 Sq. Ft. Home located in a secured gated community with swimming pool, tennis court, and playground. New granite countertop and tile floor throughout with typhoon shutters. $440,000.00 Please call 777-0951 3bd/2ba townhouse, 2 story, central a/c, typhoon shutters, excellent cond. $195K BUY SELL or RENT www.GUAMLISTINGS.com 482-6252/777-3728 MLS 11-4372 Houses - 3bd/1.5ba, carport, renovated, appliances, & a/c Asking $195K & 3bd/2ba, huge yard, Asking $179K BUY SELL or RENT www.GUAMLISTINGS.com 482-6252/777-3728 MLS 12-2579 Paradise Estate Home - 3bd/2ba, 2 car garage, appliances, central a/c, typhoon shutters, secured entry, gated community, Asking $274,900 482-6252/777-3728 MLS 12-2026
Mangilao Latte Heights House with 3 br / 2 ba, ideal location w/ carport, fully fenced, gated, spacious yard w/ patio. Asking $200K. Please call ANGIE @ 727-2228
Mongmong-Toto-Maite Exceptional 3bd and 3.5 ba home Enjoy the view, separate refrigeration and stove for the person who enjoys cooking, the pool and the great central location. Asking $630k Call JUDY @482-7775
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Classifieds Ordot-Chalan Pago Chalan Pago 2bed1bath SFD for sale. 1169sq.m lot Asking $119k. Call Karen 988-1883
Sinajana
dah & spacious tool shop in the middle of it all! Come see this beauty in Yona. Asking $289,000. Call MARILOU @ 988-5600 Newly renovated 4BR 2BA house with a huge covered patio on a 2,233sm lot. Call VIC today @ 483-7518
Large 4BR/3Ba 2755sqft w/1600sqft covered deck/porch. Detached util & gen. room. Walled/Gated & beautifully landscaped. $592K. Call Michael@ 487-4111
Baza Gardens - $169,000 - Best Deal! 3 BR 2BA corner lot home in great condition - call for details...Asking $169,000. Call LIZ @ 687-0911
Talofofo
Land for Sale
Fairly new 3BD 2BA home equipped with security, 2 car garage, covered back patio, and more. Priced at only $283K. Call MAJUNI @ 689-2583.
Chalan Pago
Tamuning Condo units - 3bd/1ba, renovated, $125K & Agana Beach Condo, 3bd/3ba, beachfront, bank foreclosed, appliances, split a/c units, $500K 482-6252/777-3728 MLS 12-1565 & 12-1621 TAMUNING Executive 2 Storey Spacious House for Sale by Owner. Great location beside Cost-U-Less Tamuning and GPO. Great lifestyle and community environment with 5 bd/3ba corner lot; nice sized bd on 1st and 2nd flr; luxurious master suite w/ jacuzzi spa tub; quality granite staircases; hardwood railings; crown molding all over the house with open spacious kitchen and stainless steel appliances. Please call owner/lv msg at 727-6456.
Tumon Nice 2 and 3 bedroom condo with panoramic ocean view and city view and waliking distance from the shops and hotels. Please call George 483-9111 Century 21 CR.
Yigo
Chalan Pago LAND FOR SALE Wow! What a view you have to take a look at this large lot. Come see and fall in love! Only $210K. Call Century 21 Commonwealth Realty @ 649-2121.
Dededo Dededo Land 18585Âą Very Nice $85,000 637-7165 / 688-0887 / 689-7900. Dededo Lot with a fabulous view overlooking the city. Great potential for future development. $400K. Call HANA @ 777-3660
Merizo Enjoy the view when you build on close to 1 acre of property located on Guam's countryside fronting Route 4. Great size and great potential. Only $60K. Call JOYLYN @ 488-5069
Piti Turner Rd. - Channel 10 - (Nimitz Hill) Piti. 151,508 sq. meters of unobstructed ocean views Asking: $2,300,000.00 Call FRANK @ 479-4663
Talofofo Executive 2-story house with a great view, fully fenced and a quiet area. 5bd/3ba w/ 2 huge balconies. SS appliances, wash/dry, 2-car garage. Huge storage shed, a must see! $425K Sale. Call Joe @ 483-3333!
Perez Heights, Ipan, Talofofo Executive / Investment House Lot Only $58k, 929sm, 565-4464
Yona
Tamuning
Winward Hill Estates: Lovely 4 bedrooms / 2.5 ba with beautifully upgraded kitchen and bathrooms, nicely appointed living & dining spaces & bedrooms. Large, well maintained yard with lots of gorgeous plants, flowers, trees and a cozy veran-
R-2 Lot Call 646-7137
Yigo 1/2 acre. $48,000. Call W. Yamamoto Realty @ 637-7165. CasaGuam.com 27
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Closing
Message from the Executive Officer By Peggy Araullo Llagas
HUD and EPA Responses to the National Association of REALTORS® Compliance Questions The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (collectively, the "Regulators") have confirmed, in their responses to a series of questions propounded by NAR and IREM, that certain common practices used by REALTORS are sufficient to satisfy the disclosure requirements mandated by the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act ("Act"). In general, the Act requires that sellers of property built before 1978 disclose all known information about the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards on their premises. The regulations require a real estate licensee to inform sellers and lessors of their disclosure obligations and also insure that the seller or lessor complies with the requirements of the Act. What follows is a summary of the Regulators' responses to NAR and IREM's questions. 1. The time for making disclosures previously approved in California is acceptable nationwide. The Regulators previously approved language in the California Association of REALTORS standard purchase agreement that allows the required lead-based paint disclosures to be provided to the purchaser after a seller has accepted a buyer's offer, so long as the buyer has the unconditional right to cancel the purchase contract upon receipt of the seller's required disclosures and is allowed ten days to conduct an inspection for lead-based paint hazards.. The Regulators confirmed that this practice is acceptable nationwide and indicated their intent to state this in future Interpretative Guidance statements issued by the Regulators. 2. A seller/lessor may distribute photocopies of a completed disclosure form to prospective purchasers/lessees for such prospective purchasers/lessees to execute and return to the seller/lessor with the offer. The Regulators have confirmed that completion of the disclosure and acknowledgement form in counterparts (i.e., two separate documents) in this fashion satisfies the disclosure obligations, so long as HUD and EPA can access the original signatures of both parties. 3. Only one owner is required to complete and execute the disclosure form when the property is held jointly by two or more 28 CasaGuam March 2013
individuals, so long as the non-executing owner does not have any additional undisclosed information or records of lead-based paint hazards. The Regulators stated that while only one owner is needed to execute the form, other joint owners are not absolved from making a complete disclosure. A disclosure form signed by only one of property's joint owners is sufficient, but omission of any lead-based paint information that was required to be disclosed and is known to any of the joint owners would constitute a violation of the disclosure provisions. 4. Seller, lessors, and their representatives may continue to distribute the 1995 version of the EPA's Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home pamphlet, even though the publication was revised in 1999. The 1999 revisions merely deleted certain phone numbers, so the lead-based paint information contained in the 1995 version is still valid. 5. Other matters addressed by the Regulators include the following: guidance will be provided regarding the use of electronic disclosure forms following implementation of ESIGN, a new Federal law related to electronic signatures; buyers do not need to acknowledge receipt of information (like testing reports) on the disclosure form when no such information or reports are provided because none exist; certain language used in the disclosure form, including the Lead Warning Statement, to describe the various actors may be modified, so long as the changes do not mischaracterize or misstate the disclosure obligations; and, finally, the Regulators confirmed that there is no specific disclosure form required and will send a letter to their regional offices to assure that to be understood, but they also declined to offer a process to approve disclosure forms developed for use. -National Association of REALTORS® For More Information Contact: Peggy Araullo Llagas, Executive Officer Guam Association of REALTORS® Suite 236A Julale Center 424 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 Tel: (671) 477-4271 • Fax: (671) 477-4275 Mobile: (671) 689-4271 • www.guamrealtors.com
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We speak Russian, Farsi, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, and Chamorro facebook.com/Century21CommonwealthRealty
RENTALS Horizon Townhouse, Tamuning - 3Br/2.5Ba - $2,450 - #13-360 Holiday Tower Condo, Sinajana - 2Br/2Ba - $1,700 - #13-386 Alupang Beach Tower, Tamuning - 3Br/2Ba - $2,200 - #13-392
Tumon $245K 2Br/2Ba #13-291
Mangilao $430K 4Br/2.5Ba #13-373
Yigo $200K 4Br/2.5Ba #13-377
Dededo $268K 3Br/2Ba #13-440
Yigo $225K 3Br/2Ba #13-457
Dededo $99K 3Br/2Ba #12-4142
Dededo $202K 3Br/2Ba #12-3490
Ordot-Chln Pago $698K 5Br/4.5Ba #13-138
Barrigada $375K 3Br/3Ba #12-2245
Tamuning $240K 3Br/2Ba #12-4305
Tamuning $365K 3Br/2Ba #12-2299
Ordot-Chln Pago $175K 3Br/3Ba #12-4498
Yona $215K 4Br/2Ba - #13-198
Tamuning $332K 4Br/2.5Ba #13-166
Yona $145K 3Br/1.5Ba #13-75
Sinajana $298K 4Br/3Ba #12-4915
Mangilao $329K 4Br/3Ba #12-4899
Tamuning $299K 3Br/3Ba #11-4052
Dededo $92K 2Br/2Ba #11-4198
Tamuning $499,999 5Br/4Ba #09-1332
Dededo $142K 3Br/2Ba #12-1932
Mangilao $399K 4Br/3Ba #11-3436
Dededo $250K 5Br/4Ba #12-3465
Tamuning $549K 3Br/2Ba #12-3762
Tamuning $44,000 Business #13-261
Tamuning $1,300,000 Multi-Family #11-3824
A&D Apts, Mongmong-Toto-Maite - 3Br/3Ba - $2,450 - #13-434 Pomika Apts, Tamuning - 2Br/2Ba - $1,000 - #13-436
Pomika Apts, Tamuning - 1Br/1Ba - $700 - #13-439 A&D Apts, Dededo - 2Br/1Ba - $800 - #13-470 A&D Apts, Dededo - 2Br/1Ba - $900 - #13-497 Inalado St., Ordot-Chln Pago - 5Br/4.5Ba - $6,000 - #13-302 Kayen Aga Makao, Yigo - 3Br/2Ba - $1,950 - #13-455 ‘A’ Manha Lane, Mangilao - 4Br/2Ba - $1,400 - #13-500 Dago St., Mangilao - 3Br/2Ba - $1,300 - #13-283 S. Upi St., Yigo - 3Br/2Ba - $2,205 - #12-4367 Biradan Paluma, Dededo - 4Br/3Ba - $2,205 - #12-4629 Frank J. Martin, Dededo - 3Br/2Ba - $2,450 - #12-4369
Homes & Condos
Pomika Apts, Tamuning - 2Br/2Ba - $1,000 - #13-438
Kayen Sammi Hong, Dededo - XBr/XBa - $2,500 - #12-4765 Alupang Cove Condo, Tamuning - 2Br/2Ba - $2,100 - #12-957 Off Rt. 10, Mangilao - 4Br/2Ba - $1,400 - #13-500 Las Palmas Ph I, Dededo - 3Br/3Ba - $1,500 - #12-4308 Rt. 16 Army Dr., Dededo - 1,200SqFt - $960 - #13-458 Pago Plaza, Ordot-Chln Pago - 1,100SqFt - $1,400 - #13-23 Harmon Ind. Park, Tamuning - 10,400SqFt - $4,000 - #13-98
LAND Off Chalan La Chanch, Yigo - 1,858sm - $56,000 - #13-315 N. Paulino Hts. Rd., Talofofo - 990sm - $59,900 - #13-358 N. Paulino Hts. Rd., Talofofo - 991sm - $59,900 - #13-359 Behind Dededo Gym, Dededo - 4,406sm - $450,000 - #13-480 Perez Hts., Talofofo - 1,858sm - $110,000 - #13-491 Perez Hts., Talofofo - 1,858sm - $110,000 - #13-492
Commercial & Multi-Family
Laguina Estates, Yona - 947sm - $85,000 - #12-4075 Rt. 4, Ipan Talofofo - 1,370sm - $92,000 - #12-4077 Chln Ping Pago, Ordot-Chln Pago - 1,864sm - $55,000 - #12-628 Yigo - 1,853sm - $65,000 - #10-1038 Yigo - 1,853sm - $65,000 - #10-1039
Tamuning $1,020,000 Multi-Family #12-1955
Tamuning $1,000,000 Commercial #12-555
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